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Homeownership Is Campaign

This spring, NeighborWorks Montana launched the “Homeownership Is” raffle, celebrating the stories of Montanans who became homeowners between October 2023 and August 2024. The campaign encouraged participants to share what homeownership means to them, from the security of owning a home to the pride of building equity and creating memories.

NeighborWorks Montana is dedicated to helping Montanans achieve sustainable homeownership by offering education, counseling, and financial assistance. They partner with local organizations to provide the support needed for successful homebuying.

Ten people shared their stories, and Nigel from Kalispell won the raffle, receiving a $500 Ace Hardware gift card. Thanks to all the participants and the housing counselors who helped them achieve their dreams of homeownership!

Click the photos below to read a little more about each of the new homeowners.

Caitlyn, Butte

"Being a homeowner is a privilege that gives me peace of mind and the ability to plan ahead for the future. I feel incredibly fortunate to be in my home. There is a great deal of uncertainty and dread for renters as it has become completely unaffordable. Having my own home gives me the ability to focus on being a bigger part of my community and giving back - versus when I was a stressed out renter, constantly worried about the risk my housing posed to my safety and health."

During her homebuyer education class at Headwaters RC&D, Caitlyn found the home inspection section to be informative and interesting. She said it definitely left an impression on her.

Congratulations on your new home, Caitlyn! We’re so happy for you!
Learn more about Headwaters RC&D at headwatersrcd.org.

Emily, Bozeman

For Emily, a new homeowner in Bozeman, "having a home means stability for my family and room for my family to grow." Owning a home has brought a sense of security and a promising future, providing a stable environment and the space needed for her family to thrive.

We are so happy for you, Emily!

Dan, Great Falls

Dan recently bought a home in the Great Falls area and is finding that having a home is very satisfying. He took homebuyer education with NeighborWorks Great Falls and found it to be very informative and crucial to his homebuying journey.

Congrats on your new home, Dan!

Learn more about the services provided by NeighborWorks Great Falls at nwgf.org.

Riley & Nicole, Belgrade

For Nicole and Riley, owning a home in Bozeman is more than just having a place to live; it's about staying close to their family and remaining in the community where they grew up. Their journey to homeownership was greatly supported by the homebuyer education course offered through HRDC 9. The course provided valuable insights and allowed for open discussions with knowledgeable guest speakers and fellow attendees, which Nicole and Riley found incredibly beneficial.

Congratulations to you both for reaching your homebuying goals!

Learn more about HRDC 9 at thehrdc.org.

Nigel, Kalispell

For Nigel, a new homeowner in Kalispell, homeownership signifies "Responsibility, adulting, and moving forward in life!" With new insights from a homebuyer education course, guidance from Sara at Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana, and down payment assistance through Montana Housing, Nigel is now a successful, educated homeowner.

Congratulations on your new home and winning the raffle, Nigel!

Learn more about CAPNM at capnm.net.

Karl & Sarah, Livingston

For Sarah and Karl, buying their home means a fulfilling experience with a meaningful blend of stability, community, and creative freedom.

"Owning our own home signifies a profound sense of stability, providing a secure foundation where we can build our future. It fosters a deeper connection with our community, as we can establish long-term relationships and contribute to a shared sense of belonging. Additionally, homeownership offers a canvas for creativity, allowing us to personalize and transform our space according to our vision and needs."

Through their homebuyer class at HRDC 9, they learned the importance of a good realtor who will advocate for the clients. The significance of always getting an inspection was another key take away from the class.

Congratulations on planting roots in the Livingston area, Sarah and Karl!

Learn more about HRDC 9 at thehrdc.org.

Camryn, Helena

What does homeownership mean to you?

"That I am responsible for the largest loan I have ever had and that the home is mine." Camryn in Helena is now a well-equipped homeowner who understands the importance of budget mindfulness after taking a homebuyer education course and receiving guidance from Bev at Rocky Mountain Development Council.

Congratulations on all your hard work and on reaching your homebuying goals!

Learn more about RMDC at rmdc.net.

Justine & Sy, Billings

Justine and Sy recently bought a home in the Billings area. Having their own home means, “security for our family, investment in our future, and a better environment for our family. Throughout the process of taking homebuyer education and talking with the housing counselor at HRDC Home Center, Justine says she better understands the commitment of having such a large loan.

Congratulations on your new home!

Learn more about HRDC Home Center at thehomecenter.org.

Victoria, Helena

For Victoria, a new homeowner in Helena, "Homeownership means that I am investing in myself and taking on new responsibilities! I have a place for my books and my dog but I also have to mow the yard and clean my deck. It's a great transition and I have been enjoying every second of homeownership."

During the closing process, the seller was contemplating backing out of the sale because of the steps involved in securing an FHA loan. Victoria said, " If it weren't for my amazing housing counselor and my realtor I wouldn't have closed on my home!"
Victoria also shared about her experience with the homebuyer education she took at Rocky Mountain Development Council saying, “Figuring out the basic concept of front-end and back-end finances was really eye opening. I began my homebuying education overwhelmed and daunted but left understanding that this homebuying journey would take hard work and dedication but was overall possible to achieve the goal of homeownership.”

We are so pleased that your homebuying journey is at an end and you can enjoy your home, Victoria!

Learn more about RMDC at rmdc.net.

Eric, Four Corners

When asked about the significance of homeownership, Eric, a new homeowner in Four Corners, expressed a deep sense of empowerment and future planning. "As opposed to renting, I can now renovate my living space any way I choose. Also, this house will hopefully serve as the first stepping stone to help in building generational wealth to pass on to my family."

One of the benefits of taking a homebuyer education class is the valuable information you gain. You'll learn everything from how to determine your budget to what to expect during the buying process - things many of us don’t know.

For Eric, one topic during his class at HRDC 9 made all the difference: available programs. "I heard about the Rural Development loan in the course. Had I not heard about this program, I likely would not have been able to afford to buy a house in the Gallatin Valley."

Congratulations on your new home, Eric!

Learn more about HRDC 9 at thehrdc.org.

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